Coletin's Road to Recovery

As some may know, Coletin Dover was in a major accident on the evening of Monday, June 2nd. Coletin was working around the house while Jordan and the kids were at Jelly Stone Water Park in Waller.

On the ranch, one of the round balers bit the dust a week prior and needed to be hauled off and so Coletin went to work. The baler was attached secured and clear to load onto the trailer. As Coletin raised the baler, the forks dislodged from the arm of the machine and there was the tragedy, in a blink of an eye. The forks twisted as the baler dropped to the ground and sent it spinning towards the cab where he sat one, just one; of the forks penetrated the safety barrier and impaled him through the lower right side below his belt pinning him to the seat. Coletin was able to hold on until the paramedics arrived and they feverously began working to save his life until life flight arrived.

Coletin was life-flighted from the hay field in Hearne to Baylor Scott and White in Temple, TX. Throughout the flight, they kept the trauma surgeons at the hospital updated on the extent injuries and vitals, so they could successfully start the surgery with all the knowledge to prepare for his arrival rushed into surgery, where the trauma team stopped the bleeding. After this surgery, they left his wounds exposed with a wound vac with a tight seal that was his makeshift skin, He was then moved to the Severe Trauma ICU for further evaluation and preparation for the days to come.

Coletin remained intubated and sedated to allow his body to recover from the trauma before undergoing the next surgery. Aside from the wounds, Coletin’s injuries consisted of multiple severed veins and arteries that connect his kidney to the urethra, a sacral fracture and numerous internal wounds that will need attention when the time comes. He experienced severe blood loss and received multiple blood transfusions on the ground, in to the air, and in the hospital. He continues to receive transfusions today.

Coletin underwent a second surgery on Tuesday, June 3rd. During the procedure, a renal pump was installed due to the complete severance of the kidney from its arterial connection. On Wednesday they were able to perform the major surgery that connected his skin back together but are waiting for some healing progress to perform the artery reconnection. Coletin will have more surgeries and procedures to come, but the amount and timing of those is still in uncharted territory.

He is currently breathing on his own, no longer sedated, and we are hopeful that he transitions smoothly out of ICU and into a regular room in the next few days.

Coletin and his family have been through more than anyone could have imagined the last few days. He is a tough, strong individual who's love for his children and wife kept him fighting. While he has made much progress over a brief period, there is a long and expensive journey ahead.

Coletin and his family are very thankful to all the doctors, nurses, paramedics, firefighters, Life Flight doctors and to those that worked quickly to save his life on Monday and continue to do so. To everyone that has sent their love, prayers, and support, we thank you too.

Coletin is the sole provider for his young family of four and as this road a long journey to recovery, graciously ask; If you are able and willing to help lift some of the financial burden placed upon him and his family as his recovery time is going to be six months plus and a very trying time. It is our hope that Coletin can heal without the stress of finances and the heavy burden of medical bills.